Confronting without Accusing

Hello NTI Family:
Recently I was reading info on The Master Teacher series and wanted to share some valuable tools to use when confronting a student or parent.

1. We need to remember that confronting and accusing are two different actions with two different intents. When used together they become two negatives that almost always combine to produce a negative result that solves nothing.

2. A common mistake made when confronting is to talk about everything except the core issue that led you to confront in the first place. Therefore, don't skirt the issue.

3. The skill of confronting is easier if we look upon the act as caring, rather than an act of accusation. This attitude can guide our approach. After all, caring is a basis for human acceptance.

4. Confronting should be private and confidential. This way future relationships are enhanced and the person doesn't feel threatened.

5. If you're angry, take time to gain control of any negative emotions before you confront so that you avoid saying accusatory words such as "You did..." or "You always...."

As we strive to become Master Teachers, we should know that confronting without accusing is a responsibility we must learn to perform well. We should learn to address the real issue in a considerate and professional way. If we don't learn to confront without accusing, we fail to become the Master Teacher that we are capable of.

Never Give Up!

GREAT class Sat.

Kudos again to Ms. H and Dr. B. I had a great time in class on Sat. with the panel discussion and the game we played with guessing the states. Where do you guys come up with such great things to keep us motivated to learn? I know I wasn't feeling good in the beginning due to teeth extractions, but by the afternoon I was much better. I also know that the experiences shared in NTI class will never be forgotten. I only hope to be able to motivate my students just as much. Today students need varied teaching methods and without engaging them, we lose them.

To the panel group: The questions were very good and the actors names were adorable. The other group was great as well. Thanks to all of you on my team; you were great to work with. We really do have some talented folks in our class.

On another note, I need some input from people in the Monday group. Are the Monday evening classes as good as Saturday? Are they rushed? Still confused about which one to register for, since April is my busiest time of the year for weddings.
Wishing all of you a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Never Give Up!

Special Ed EBT class

Happy Friday Classmates,
Today I have the privilege of subbing in an EBT class of students that don't want to do anything but clown around, curse and stay off task. I have a parapro with me who knows everything about the students, however I am not teaching anything. It is more like babysitting. It really does take a "Special" person to teach Special Ed. I am grateful for the experience of being in here to know that this is one area that I don't want to teach in.

Yesterday was just the opposite with college prep history classes where students didn't want to do much, but there were about 10 kids that really valued their education. On top of that I was in a class with another teacher that obviously hasn't been through NTI so his classroom management was totally weak. I am convinced that the more I teach and witness the behavior of students and teachers, that we as a society are losing the battle to properly educate kids across America. Educators don't make enough for the hard work that we do and students devalue education. It seems that students today don't want to be in school, think that they can be disrespectful to teachers. I concur with the recent statements by Bill Cosby on Oprah while discussing the new book "Come On People" that talks about how education is no longer a priority for America and that we are failing our youth by not parenting them properly. This book is a wake call for America and not just for African-Americans because this week I've witnessed all races failing out and just being low level students that don't care. We really need to take this to the Capital steps and try to get more done to increase the educational values in America and make people more responsible for the injustices being done in our schools.

On another note, I am really looking forward to seeing all of you in class tomorrow.
Never Give Up!

Gwinnett Job Fair Madness

Hello NTI family,
We had a great time on Sat. I really enjoyed Dr. B. She is such a GREAT instructor. I hope to be like her one day... I also attended a job fair earlier that day at Peachtree Ridge HS. It was VERY crowded to say the least and I didn't get to all the schools because of class. I discovered that there are many people searching for teaching jobs in Gwinnett specifically. It was almost depressing to see that I had that much competition. But then I realized that I am probably one of the few that have NTI knowledge and expertise under my belt. I then began to think, I know I will get a job next year because all that I am doing will not be in vain. I'm looking forward to having my own classroom and am seeking to look in other counties just in case there is one for me at DHS. I am certain that I will get something soon, it is just taking a little longer than I anticipated. Now, I do enjoy being a stellar sub most of the time until I get my paycheck....

On another note:
A great website for students who need to learn about money, spending and budgets is:
www.orangekids.com

Are you a Student-Centered Teacher?

Good Afternoon,
I want to share with you some valuable information I read this week on becoming a Master Teacher. Have you ever asked yourself if you exemplify the qualities of being a "Student-Centered Teacher" and if so what are they? The author states that there are six sure signs of being one.

1. Search for student gifts, talents and potential. Do you frequently look for and see more in students than they see in themselves or than their parents see in them? When we constantly look for talents, gifts and hidden potential in our students, we are being a student-centered teacher.

2. When students don't learn, do you make it a professional practice to find out why and change the situation? We should seek to overcome the barriers against learning and be commited to see that all students find success in learning.

3. Do you employ and adjust teaching strategies in response to what a student needs rather than how you like to teach? Modifying, customizing, and personalizing your lesson plans are vital in being a student-centered teacher.

4. Always look for opportunities to teach. An observation, an insight, a newly discovered interest, or even a current event can be the stimulus for the student-centered teacher.

5. Does your greatest joy come in the succes of your students? When this aspect of student-centeredness is at the core of our work, students know it. They see us among their greatest advocates, fans, and resources.

6. Are you surprised or disappointed when you hear collegues place limits on what they are willing to do to ensure that students learn? Our first concern should be how students will be affected and how we can enhance learning opportunities for them, not whether it is convenient or easy for us.

Remember the strength of our impact is determined by our focus on and commitment to students. When students understand that we know them, believe in them, are committed to them and see our success intertwined with their success, there is almost no limit to what can be accomplished together.

LET'S ALL STRIVE TO BECOME STUDENT-CENTERED TEACHERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE...

Never Give Up!
Victoria

Happy Friday!

I hope all of you had a GREAT week and will enjoy the wonderful weather we are expecting. I had a very tiresome week and am looking forward to a 3 day weekend. I want to thank you all for the comments on my post concerning Online Masters Programs. I am in the beginning stages of my research and really find it hard to believe the cost of these programs. If anyone hears of a GREAT online masters program offered through a Georgia college, please let me know.

Thanks to Jessie for the valuable information and pros and cons of the program I mentioned in my last blog. I do believe that as a result of sharing our ideas and experiences via this message board that we are becoming more educated than ever and able to make better future career plans.

On another note, I want to thank Kim and Vincent for the advice on Bloom's Taxonomy questions. It was very conducive to my understanding the meaning of Higher Level questions.
Thanks and enjoy your weekend!
Never Give Up!

Online Masters Programs

This goes out to all of you who may be considering a Masters Degree in the near future. In my research I came across this and and thought it would be good for my area. Let me know your thoughts esp. Dr. B and Mrs. H since you both have completed your Masters. Is online easier? Have you heard anything good about Argosy? It will cost about $21,000 upon completing? Is this typical of the online degree programs? Would you say it can be done in the Spring or wait until completing NTI spring program? Please advise...

MAEd in Instructional Leadership online program
Program Overview
Argosy University developed the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Instructional Leadership program for educators that want to develop or enhance their classroom skills, become curriculum supervisors, or become educational leaders with instruction as their main focus. The program is designed for working professionals who want to achieve balance among their career, family, and education.
You can develop core practical and academic skills in analysis, learn current trends and advanced techniques in curriculum design, and generally enhance you abilities in and around the classroom. Courses cover the practical, historical, philosophical, psychological, social, technical and theoretical aspects of education.


Careers
As a MAEd in Instructional Leadership graduate student, you will gain the professional skills required to compete for titled roles such as:
Assistant Principal
Community College Instructor
Educational Administrator
Elementary School Teacher
High School Teacher
Middle and Secondary School Teacher
Occupational Instructors
Preschool & Kindergarten Teacher
Principal
School Administrator
Secondary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Technical, Trade or Industrial Instructor

Argosy University is a leader in graduate-level education and supports one of the largest graduate student communities in the nation.


Occupational Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2006-07 Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Employment of instructional coordinators is expected to grow much faster than average (increase 27% or more) for all occupations through the year 2014. Over the next decade, instructional coordinators will be instrumental in developing new curricula to meet the demands of a changing society and in training the teacher workforce."
Source: U.S Department of labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007 Edition.

Myers Briggs

Thanks to Dr. B for giving such an incredibly interesting test. I thoroughly enjoyed and found the results to match my personality 99.9%. I now understand how husbands and wives often clash because of these results.

I was away last week on a cruise and even though I was very tired, still found the energy to get to class on Sat. and really enjoyed it. I am learning so much from NTI to use in class and it really does make a difference in your teaching style. I am looking forward to working on the portfolio project more so than Bloom's Taxonomy, but I guess it works well since we don't have to meet. I will enjoy my October Saturdays. Jessie and Dr. B really know how to pile it on us, but in the end, we are learning such valuable information to last a lifetime.

Kudos to the Mediators for a job well done. I enjoyed working with Shane, Jamie, Mortissa. I learned that "Cooperative learning" can be a great tool to use with the new generation of kids that seem to be more social. It is a great strategy that I will use once I get my own classroom.

Never give up!

My observation with Dr. B

Hello team:
Well it's over. Yesterday Dr. Burns came out to "the country" and observed me in a computer lab. The students thoroughly enjoyed the assignment and the set induction. I also videotaped myself since it is a rarity that I get to teach a class using my own lesson plans, so I took advantage of the opportunity. For my set induction, I used the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" and discussed the life of Chris Gardner (a homeless man) and tied it into a career research project. The kids loved it, Dr. B loved it, and I aced my project. Thanks to NTI and the GREAT teaching strategies taught this summer, I felt comfortable teaching a class that I never taught before. When you are a confident and effective teacher, the students pick up on it and they will respect you and your class runs much better.
I also enjoyed being critiqued so that I know what mistakes not to make.
See you all on Sat.
Never Give Up!

Preparing for Dr. B's visit

Hello team:
My weekly recap wasn't the greatest! This week has been a very educational one to say the least. I have been in all sorts of classes from Health, to Algebra 2, to Weightlifting in a hot, stinky, smelly old gym, to Language Arts and my very favorite, Business Ed. The Business Ed teacher that I worked for this week was out due to premature labor pains, therefore I subbed for her class 3 days this week. I really enjoyed it and wish to have my own class like that one day soon. The teachers and staff are GREAT here.

In the midst of my busy schedule, I am preparing lesson plans for Dr. B's visit next week. I came up with some GREAT stuff, but we'll see... WHEW! It's a lot of work preparing lesson plans and working full time, but I'm persistent and know that I can handle it. To top it off, I will be in class with you guys all day tomorrow, so no rest for the weary. Oh, I forgot to mention, I have a sinus infection that makes my head feel big as a cement block... but never once called in sick, as bad as I felt.

As for the position in the other school, the principal offered me the position based on a long-term sub which I declined. The position is not open yet until they know if the teacher will return from maternity leave and by law, they can't give her job to me...):

At any point, looking forward to another informative semester...
Never Give Up!
V

Career Opportunity

Hello team:
I need some input from you on a possible career change. A colleague of mine has informed me of a Video Broadcast position that may become open in another school system. The teacher who was in the position was rushed to the hospital last week with contractions and is not due until December. However, I love the school where I am because it is 5 minutes from my home, there is room for growth next year, and the staff seems to be nice thus far. However, I don't have my own classroom since I am a stellar sub and make half of a teachers salary. I am uncertain just what to do should I be offered the position? I think the chances of me getting the position are high since they are in a bind right now without a video broadcast teacher and not knowing when she will be able to return to work. Should I accept the offer if I get it or just stay put? The option of moving to another school system (3o min. drive for me and getting to know a new staff doesn't appeal to me, but I do want my own classroom. Confused??

TGIF to all..

TGIF and I know you all share my sentiments. At the end of 3 weeks now and every morning I wake up more tired than the day before. But once I get going, I am full of energy and ready to take on the students and whatever comes my way. I'm in a new school this year and working as a stellar sub. FYI, I float around the school assisting teachers with emergencies or just filling in on full day assignments. Good news is this year, we have full benefits as Stellars. I am only at 1 school and so now I've got to get to know the teachers and hear, "Oh, your our new stellar sub." Many welcomes and nice to meet you expressions. Thanks to Dr. B and Ms. H, I am truly using the knowledge acquired from NTI this summer. It has been very helpful during the minor discipline problems I've encountered thus far.

Today, I caught a student cheating on a Spelling/Voc. test and simply, took her paper from her and paneled it until after class. I discussed with the school rules and the fact that she would not get a 2nd chance. I continued administering the test to the rest of the class and gave her other seat work to complete. After class, she tried to give a GOOD reason for cheating, but I simply said, I caught you in the act and your name will be given to your teacher.

On Mon., Tues. and this morning, we had no air for the first 2 periods. I am in the old part of the school, but am teaching my field, Business Ed. "Hurray for that", but next week, who knows where I will be. I guess the joy of it all, is that I get to learn many different styles of teaching, view different types of lesson plans and get to know all the students.

Anyway do enjoy your 3 day weekend, sleep in and do something YOU REALLY ENJOY doing this weekend! Because we don't have a lot of FREE Sat. left... :)

TGIF!

V